Keansburg

Keansburg is a borough in Monmouth County, New Jersey. The area was gradually purchased from the Lenape with other surrounding areas from 1609 to the early 18th century, and Dutch, English, and Scottish settlers established pear, apple, and corn farms in the area. It became known as Waackaack, meaning "land of plenty" in Lenape, and it was also known as Tanner's Landing (a principal port of entry) from the 18th century to 1820. From 1820 to the 1880s, the area was known as Granville, which was named for the grain-producing farms of the region, and the repeated use of horses and buggies led to the formation of roadways. Its 300 residents mostly farmed and clammed for a living, and the beach soon became popular. In 1884, the town adopted its current name, Keansburg, in honor of post office founder John Kean, who would go on to serve as a US Senator. In 1910, the Keansburg Steamboat Company was founded, and the farmlands were developed. Tourists from the New York City would ferry over and escape the city heat to relax on Keansburg's beaches, which were wiped out in Hurricane Donna in 1960. In 1995, the resurgence of the Keansburg Amusement Park led to a revival of interest in the town. In 2016, Keansburg had a population of 9,826 people, with over 16% living below the poverty line.